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Some two-thirds of companies responding to a PwC survey said they are taking their time gathering information needed to meet next year's deadline for compliance with conflict-minerals reporting rules. One-third said they are still trying to figure out how the rules apply to their organization. Find guidance and other resources on conflict minerals on AICPA.org.

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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has again ruled against a portion of the Securities and Exchange Commission's conflict-minerals rule. The court determined that companies cannot be compelled to disclose whether their products are "conflict free."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable and the National Association of Manufacturers oppose the Securities and Exchange Commission's decision to move forward with a rule on conflict-mineral disclosure, even though the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit had declared portions of the rule unconstitutional. In response, the SEC has issued a workaround. The three business groups plan to ask the court for a full stay.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit this week heard arguments in an appeal of last year's ruling that upheld the Securities and Exchange Commission's conflict-minerals rule. The rule requires companies to disclose information annually on the source of certain minerals that have funded conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and nearby countries. Business groups are seeking to have the requirement overturned. The first reports are due May 1 under the rule.

U.S. companies are asking the Securities and Exchange Commission to revise its proposal for a rule to require firms to report on the use of certain minerals in their operations. Critics say the Conflict Minerals Rule would create a huge burden on many companies, especially if the requirement extends to their suppliers. Companies will need to create internal reporting structures and committees for identifying minerals in their supply chains, one attorney says.